Division of Gynecologic Oncology
A gynecologic oncologist is defined by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists as a board-certified women's cancer specialist who has received an additional 3-4 years of advanced medical and surgical training in the study and treatment of malignancies arising in the female reproductive tract - ovary, endometrium, cervix, vulva and vagina. We provide unified, comprehensive medical and surgical care to women with reproductive-tract cancers from diagnosis to completion of treatment, such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Supportive care
- Surgery
This is an exciting time for our division, as we are taking the first steps toward becoming an Ovarian Cancer Center of Excellence. We already attract the highest caliber of students, residents and fellows, thanks to our role as a teaching hospital in one of the most diverse patient populations. We are also proud of our status as a premiere research institution in our field and the quality of care provided by our Women’s Cancer Program at the NYU Cancer Institute and our National Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program. Soon these three key components of the division will be united by a multidisciplinary program committed to improving women’s healthcare.
Our Role in Research
We are a premiere research institution, set apart from our peers in the field by our dedication to clinical, basic and translational science. From our clinical work with the National Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program identifying the causes of cancer and preventing it in asymptomatic women, to our grant-funded research in the laboratories investigating ovarian and endometrial metastasis, research drives each and every member of the division.
We currently have 7 post-doctoral fellows in our laboratories, hard at work on interrelated projects and assisted by our medical students and residents. Our physicians are actively involved in a number of clinical trials – some of which are currently accepting subjects. While most of these trials are also available at other institutions, approximately 10% of these studies are the direct result of the work being done here at NYU.
Recent Publications
Our physicians have been honored for their outstanding contributions to the field of gynecologic oncology and all have published extensively. While working as an integral part of the division, each physician is engaged in research and maintains a clinical practice in gynecologic oncology. Please select a physician to view their recent publications:
Dr. Stephanie V. Blank
Dr. John P. Curtin
Dr. Bhavana Pothuri
Dr. Robert C. Wallach
Our Role in Education
Our premiere research begins a cycle which benefits all of our patients: our research attracts the best medical students, residents, and fellows, who provide better patient care. In turn, our clinical reputation enhances our research, and the cycle continues.
Medical Students: As a teaching institution, all medical students rotate through our division. This introduction to our field has led over fifteen medical students to choose to take research electives with our division in the last four years. We also allow visiting students from outside institutions to participate in our program. Learn more about the clerkship in obstetrics and gynecology.
Residents: ObGyn residents rotate through our division in their second, third and fourth years. Here they are given a chance to more fully explore the clinical aspects of oncology. We also encourage residents to spend time assisting our post-doc fellows with research in the laboratories. Learn more about the residency program in obstetrics and gynecology.
Fellows: Laboratory and clinical research are combined with clinical training as we prepare fellows for their roles as gynecologic oncologists. Our three-year program is accredited by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology that leads to board certification in gynecologic oncology. Learn more about the fellowship program in gynecologic oncology.
Our Role in Patient Care
Women who have recently been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, including cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer, receive treatment through the Women’s Cancer Program. Our offices are located within the New York University Cancer Center in midtown Manhattan. We also provide treatment for uterine sarcoma, molar pregnancy and all types of gestational trophoblastic disease.
We are also working to identify the causes of cancer and prevent it in asymptomatic women through our National Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program. This multidisciplinary effort focuses on women at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer and provides them with evaluations by board certified specialists in cancer genetics, gynecologic oncology, advanced practice nursing, ultrasonography, medical oncology, psychiatry psychology, and nutrition.
Members of the Division
Dr. John P. Curtin, Director of the Division
Dr. Stephanie V. Blank
Dr. Bhavana Pothuri
Dr. Robert C. Wallach
Fellows in Gynecologic Oncology
Dr. Leslie Boyd
Dr. Joanie Mayer-Hope
Dr. Tara Pua
For more information about the division, please contact Leslie Simons.
